Mississippi State University Pioneers BVLOS Drone Operations for Emergency Response
Mississippi State University’s (MSU) Raspet Flight Research Laboratory is at the forefront of expanding the capabilities of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for critical emergency response scenarios. The lab is currently undertaking a project focused on achieving safe and effective Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, a key advancement for maximizing the utility of drones in time-sensitive missions like search and rescue.
Central to this effort is the SKIRON-X, a Group 2 UAS provided by Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company. The SKIRON-X uniquely combines the flexibility of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) with the extended flight times characteristic of fixed-wing aircraft, boasting a standard battery-powered endurance of up to 3.5 hours.
Over recent months,Raspet researchers have accumulated over 30 flight hours with the SKIRON-X,gathering valuable data and pilot feedback to refine the platform’s performance specifically for first responders and BVLOS applications. Aurora Flight Sciences highlighted the ease of training and the rapid expertise developed by the Raspet team in operating the SKIRON-X.
The MSU project aims to streamline the process for first responders to obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) BVLOS waivers. Successfully navigating this process will allow for significantly increased effectiveness of UAS during critical incidents. Raspet is actively demonstrating the safe and efficient execution of BVLOS operations utilizing platforms like the SKIRON-X.
“Developing the safety case for BVLOS operations is a critical step in unlocking the full potential of UAS for public safety,” stated Raspet Director Bryan Farrell. he emphasized that the SKIRON-X, as a FAA Part 107 compliant, long-endurance VTOL aircraft, combined with airspace deconfliction strategies, empowers first responders to effectively utilize the technology.
testing with the SKIRON-X is scheduled to continue through October, culminating in the submission of a BVLOS waiver application and participation in events related to the FAA ASSURE program, where MSU is recognized as a leading university in UAS research.
Raspet Flight Research Laboratory is nationally recognized as the leading academic research center dedicated to the advancement of UAS technology and the safe integration of drones into the national airspace, supporting government, industry, and academic partners. aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, specializes in the design and manufacturing of advanced unmanned systems and aerospace vehicles, driving innovation across defense, commercial, and public safety sectors.
